News Summary
A tragic construction accident in Burnsville resulted in the death of 29-year-old Pierre Mack. The accident occurred when he was struck by a boom truck during construction work on I-35W. Investigations are underway to assess safety protocols, with family members advocating for improved safety measures to prevent future incidents. This accident highlights the risks faced by construction workers and the urgent need for enhanced safety regulations.
Burnsville Sees Fatal Construction Accident Involving 29-Year-Old Worker
Burnsville, Minnesota — A construction worker who was identified as 29-year-old Pierre Mack from St. Paul was tragically killed on the job early Wednesday morning. The incident took place along Interstate 35W, near Highway 13 and Burnsville Parkway, during ongoing construction improvements on the highway.
Details of the Incident
According to authorities, Mack was involved in construction activities when he was struck by a boom truck equipped with a hydraulic arm. The accident occurred just before 9 a.m. and was contained entirely within the construction zone. No other vehicles were involved in the collision, and traffic in the area was temporarily slowed as first responders arrived and secured the scene.
Investigation Underway
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mack’s death. State agencies are examining safety protocols and vehicle standards to determine whether safety measures could have prevented the accident. The Minnesota State Patrol is also conducting its own inquiry, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Location and Impact
The incident occurred on a busy stretch of I-35W, a major highway serving the Twin Cities area. The construction zone was actively engaged in improvements at the time, with workers and machinery present. The brief traffic disruption caused by the accident underscores the importance of safety in construction zones, especially along high-traffic corridors.
Family and Community Response
Pierre Mack’s family expressed profound grief following the event. His father, Bernard Harris, shared concerns about safety practices and emphasized that the incident should not merely be labeled as an “accident.” He highlighted the importance of more comprehensive safety measures such as cameras and monitors installed on construction vehicles to prevent future tragedies.
Context and Broader Safety Concerns
This incident marks the fifth construction-related death recorded in Minnesota in the year 2025. It is notably the first such death at a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) site since 2023. The ongoing investigation will include a review of safety standards, including lighting requirements for construction vehicles and other safety equipment.
Legal and Safety Regulations
Federal legislation mandates that trucks weighing less than 10,000 pounds must have backup cameras, a regulation that applies only to vehicles manufactured since 2018. However, heavier trucks, such as boom trucks, are not required to have such safety features under federal law. This gap has prompted calls for stricter safety standards for all vehicles used in construction work.
Future Implications
Officials are expected to evaluate safety measures comprehensively, taking into account vehicle standards, lighting requirements, and technological enhancements. The goal is to avoid similar incidents and improve safety protocols for construction workers working along busy roads and highways.
Summary
The death of Pierre Mack in Burnsville is a stark reminder of the risks faced by construction workers. As investigations continue, there is a growing call for enhanced safety measures to protect workers on construction sites and prevent future tragedies. Both federal and state authorities are committed to reviewing existing policies and implementing improvements to ensure safer working environments.
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Additional Resources
- KSTP: Worker killed in construction accident along I-35W in Burnsville
- Wikipedia: Construction worker safety
- CBS News: Fatal construction crash I-35W Burnsville
- Google Search: construction safety standards
- Bring Me The News: Worker killed in incident at I-35W construction zone in Burnsville
- Google Scholar: construction worker fatalities
- KARE 11: Worker dies in I-35W construction zone
- Encyclopedia Britannica: construction safety
- CBS News: Burnsville I-35W construction death Pierre Mack
- Google News: construction accidents Minnesota
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